Ever heard of purple sea moss? This article will tell you more about some purple sea moss benefits to compel you to use this ingredient!
What is Purple Sea Moss?
Purple sea moss, also popular as Chondrus crispus, is an edible marine plant similar to seaweed, algae, and other leafy sea vegetables like Kelp, Dulse, etc. The harvesting process of sea moss is natural and is done from the coast of Jamaica. It is also famous for Irish moss or Irish seaweed. Sea moss has a long history of being an inexpensive source of life-enhancing nutrients for centuries. It usually displays a deep purple or brown color, while when it’s air-dried, it turns yellow or green.
Nutritional Components
Purple sea moss has been popular as a nutrient supporter for years. Often, studies state that sea moss contains 92 of the 102 minerals that the human body requires to function.
It is rich in calcium, iodine, folate, potassium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, and anti-inflammatory compounds. It also contains all nine essential amino acids. Purple sea moss comprises 47% protein in dry weight, which you can utilize as an added protein source in all diets, particularly for Vegan.
One of the most valuable nutrients in sea moss is Food grade Carrageenan, a complex carbohydrate commonly infamous as a food thickener. It is used to thicken products like ice cream, non-dairy milk, protein shakes, and baby formula. There are two types of carrageenan, food-grade and degraded. Food-grade carrageenan is safe for consumption. Whereas Poligeenan, the degraded version has few toxicity concerns.
Purple Sea Moss Benefits
Purple sea moss is a nutrient-rich and natural product that supports many healthy functions within the body. You can consume it orally or apply it directly to the skin. Both methods have positive health outcomes if used appropriately.
Adding Purple sea moss to the diet comes with few potent benefits:
Improved Thyroid Function
Iodine content in sea moss helps with improving thyroid function of the body.
Healthy Immune System
Vitamin, amino acids, and antioxidants help to fight off infections and improve overall immunity.
Improved Gut Health and Digestion
The fiber content and probiotic activity help with improving gut health and aiding indigestion.
Superfood
Sea moss has nearly all the required nutrition for a human body to function properly. Hence, it has been awarded as a superfood in many cultures.
Supports Skin Health
When you apply it topically, it helps with the protection of skin, treating minor wounds. It has potential anti-aging properties due to Citrulline-arginine found in it.
How To Use?
We can find purple sea moss most commonly in supplement forms such as Sea moss gel (also called Vegan Gelatin), raw forms, pills, oil, lip balm, powder, and soap.
Companies also sell sea moss as a component of supplements in combination with turmeric, bladderwrack, and burdock root. Such companies also claim that this combination has multiple benefits.
In addition, many organic foods stores and online retailers sell sea moss in its raw form. You can prepare a gel from this at home, or it is readily available as well. Sea moss gel is great as a face mask, as it adds a healthy glow. Other ways to consume sea moss include mixing sea moss powder into beverages, sprinkling it over yogurt or cereal.
Side Effects
One of the main disadvantages of Sea moss is that not much research has been conducted on its benefits and nutritional makeup. Generally, it’s advisable to consume only 4 to 8 grams of sea moss per day. It’s significant to be aware of the common side effects that come with its consumption.
Since it’s a good source of iodine, taking in too much iodine can lead to hypothyroidism or thyroid dysfunction. Also, Nausea and Vomiting on ingestion and burning, itching or erythema on the topical application may be present.
As a precaution, be sure to check the quantity you consume. As with any dietary supplement, always ask your doctor to assess what’s best for you.